I DON'T WANT THE WHEELS TO DISAPPEAR INTO THE PLANE

Dateline:
Siem Reap Town, Tuesday, July 19 2011, 10:13 a.m.
Pat E Lyon

I want the wheels to linger on the tarmack so that I can be in Cambodia just a little longer.  As the wheels retreat and we lift off, I lean toward the window for one last look at my second country.  The sun has set.  I can just see the water.  I see the straight palms against the horizon.  And I know, I just know I will be back.  Even though I've spent half a used car, I need to go back.  I have oten wondered why.  And I still do not know.  I am like a puzzle of two pieces.  One piece is in the United States where I have the most promising seven grandsons you could ever imagine.  A garden jungle of weeds, a loving family, a skinny cat, and a cute man are waiting for me.  But right now, I did not want to leave.  I was just getting started.  I needed more time to be with the village women.  We have not yet found a market.  We have only hope...that what we are doing will lead to something.  Something we cannot yet see.

Their hearts are so good.  They cooperate so wonderfully.  Surely God will bless such good intentions.

These women help each other learn.  Their craft is so different from ours and that is what makes their purses so appealing.

These women are close to my heart.  We speak without words.  Three are pregnant.  I want to see their babies!

I leave them in the competent hands of Deanna, Mr. Sok, Mony and God.

On the plane I am reading a book called "Soul Survivors...Stories of Women and Children in Cambodia,"by Bhavia C. Wagner.  I have often wondered how Cambodians could survive and forgive so much.  Then tonight I read these words:  "In each breath, we inhale hope, life and lovingkindness, and we exhale sorrow and pain." (-Mu Sochua, founder of Khemara, a Cambodian women's development organization.)  What lessons these dear sisters have to teach us.

I leave now to see if I will fly to Tokyo or what other adventures await in this Thai night.